Ah… Air Fryer Salmon! The first time I tried this method, I couldn’t believe how quick and flavorful it was. What usually took me 25 minutes in the oven turned into a 10 minute salmon dinner with crispy edges and tender flesh inside.
This dish is perfect for busy evenings. You can prepare a classic salmon fillet in the fryer for a lean meal, snack on bite-sized cubes, or even cook it straight from frozen. And when I want something extra bold, I go for my honey garlic glaze.
No wonder this recipe has earned a proud place in my Air Fryer Favorites: The All-Time US Classics—a collection where I take iconic comfort food and make it lighter, faster, and crispier.
Why This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Is a Game Changer
There are plenty of reasons why this dish has become one of my favorite seafood dinners:
- Quick & easy – In less than 10 minutes, you can have salmon ready to serve.
- Nutritious – High in protein and omega-3s, it’s an ideal healthy dinner air fryer style.
- Versatile – Whether you want crispy-coated pieces, a honey garlic glaze, or lemon butter, it adapts to any craving.
- From fresh or frozen – No time to thaw? Cook it straight from the freezer with great results.
- Better than oven-baked – The fryer gives salmon crispy edges while keeping the center tender.
👉 If you enjoy light seafood meals, don’t miss my Air Fryer Tilapia—another quick recipe that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
Cooking salmon in the fryer doesn’t require a long list—just a few fresh staples and some seasoning.
Salmon Basics
- Fillets – fresh or frozen, skin-on or skinless.
- Olive oil spray – a light mist helps the edges crisp.
- Seasoning – garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Flavor Options
- Honey garlic salmon – sweet and savory glaze with soy sauce, garlic, and honey.
- Lemon butter – bright, zesty, and silky.
- Cajun rub – smoky and bold for spice lovers.
Chef André’s Substitutions
- Frozen works fine—just add a couple of minutes to cooking.
- Skin-on fillets get extra crisp.
- For a crunchy twist, coat lightly with breadcrumbs for a crispy salmon air fryer finish.
👉 Another seafood idea? Try my Air Fryer Shrimp—just as quick and versatile.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer
Making salmon in the fryer is all about timing and technique. Here’s my foolproof method:
Prep the Salmon
Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Season simply with salt, pepper, and garlic—or brush with a glaze like honey garlic or Cajun spice.
Cooking Fillets
- Preheat your fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Place the fish skin-side down in a single layer.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes depending on thickness.
- Always check doneness at 145°F (63°C), per USDA.
👉 Many readers ask “how long to cook salmon in air fryer?” The answer: 8–10 minutes for fillets, depending on thickness.
Salmon Bites Air Fryer Style
Cut salmon into cubes for fast cooking. Salmon bites air fryer version take just 6–8 minutes and are perfect for bowls, wraps, or snacking.
Frozen Salmon Option
No time to thaw? Cook straight from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes. Brush with sauce after cooking for the best flavor.
👉 Still wondering “how to cook salmon in air fryer without drying it out?” The secret is not overcooking and keeping the pieces evenly sized.
👉 If you love quick step-by-step guides, try my Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets—same crispiness, kid-friendly style.
Creative Variations of Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
One of the things I love most about this dish is how easily it adapts to different flavors and occasions. With just a few tweaks, you can serve salmon in so many exciting ways:
- Bite-sized cubes – Perfect for appetizers or meal prep bowls, ready in under 10 minutes.
- Honey garlic glaze – A sticky, sweet, and savory coating that turns every bite into comfort food.
- Crispy crust – Coat lightly with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy twist.
- Lemon pepper style – Bright and refreshing, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Cajun-inspired – Smoky seasoning with a squeeze of lime for bold flavor.
👉 For another seafood variation that delivers crunch and sweetness, check out my Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp—a fantastic appetizer to serve alongside salmon.
Chef André’s Pro Tips
Over the years, I’ve tested many ways of preparing salmon in the fryer, and these tips guarantee the best results:
- Preheat first – A hot basket ensures the edges turn golden.
- Cook evenly – Use fillets of similar thickness for consistent results.
- Oil spray – A light mist helps create crispness without extra calories.
- Glaze at the end – Sauces like honey garlic or teriyaki can burn if added too early, so brush them on after cooking.
- Check doneness – Fish should flake easily with a fork but remain moist inside.
👉 For another crispy side dish that pairs beautifully, try my Air Fryer French Fries.
What to Serve With Salmon in Air Fryer
This dish is versatile enough to pair with almost anything. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
- Light and fresh – A crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the fish.
- Comforting sides – Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes with herbs.
- Grains – Fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling, healthy base.
- Casual option – Wrap salmon fillets or bites in warm tortillas for quick tacos.
👉 For a simple but irresistible pairing, try my Air Fryer Garlic & Parsley Baby Potatoes.
👉 If you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve it alongside Air Fryer Meatballs for a family-style dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
One of the best things about cooking salmon this way is how well it keeps for later meals.
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Place fillets or bites in freezer-safe bags, and they’ll last up to 2 months.
- Reheating – For best texture, warm in the fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until heated through. This method keeps the outside slightly crisp while preventing the fish from drying out.
👉 Need a step-by-step guide for warming leftovers? My How to Reheat Fried Chicken in Air Fryer has tips that apply perfectly to fish as well.
FAQ – People Also Ask
Q: How long to cook salmon in air fryer?
→ The sweet spot is 8–10 minutes at 390°F (200°C) for fillets. Bites need 6–8 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Q: How to cook salmon in air fryer without drying it out?
→ Pat the fillets dry, spray lightly with oil, and don’t overcrowd the basket. Glaze after cooking to keep moisture locked in.
Q: Can you make frozen salmon in air fryer?
→ Yes! Just add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time. Brush with sauce after cooking for the best flavor.
→ Yes! Just add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time. Brush with sauce after cooking for the best flavor.
→ Absolutely. They cook quickly, store well, and are perfect for lunch bowls or snacks.
Q: What’s the best air fryer salmon method?
→ For most home cooks, fillets seasoned simply with garlic, salt, and lemon juice give the perfect balance of crisp edges and tender flesh.
Nutrition Facts (per 6 oz fillet with honey garlic glaze)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Omega-3: ~1.8 g
This breakdown makes it clear why salmon cooked in the fryer is a perfect healthy dinner air fryer option. It delivers protein and good fats while staying light and quick to prepare.
Conclusion by Chef André
And there you have it—crispy edges, juicy flesh, and flavor-packed Air Fryer Salmon ready in just 10 minutes. Whether you choose a classic air fryer salmon fillet, quick salmon bites air fryer, or even cook it straight from frozen, this method proves that healthy meals can also be fast and satisfying.
For me, it’s one of those recipes that turns a busy evening into something special without stress. That’s why it holds a spot in my Air Fryer Favorites: The All-Time US Classics.
👉 Now it’s your turn: which twist will you try first—honey garlic salmon, crispy panko, or a simple lemon pepper version? Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with your fellow food lovers!
For official cooking temperature guidelines, visit USDA Food Safety.
Ingredients
- 2 fillets salmon (fresh or frozen, skin-on or skinless) about 6 oz each
- 1 teaspoon olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons honey for optional glaze
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce for optional glaze
- 1 clove garlic, minced for optional glaze
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray fillets with olive oil and place skin-side down in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature per USDA guidelines.
- For honey garlic glaze: whisk honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Brush over salmon immediately after cooking.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or salad.